Nissan 'Rogue Dogue' puts Fido first – and we love it!

A 'one-off project vehicle' makes us wonder why such a practical, canine-friendly car can't exist. Or can it?

The Nissan “Rogue Dogue” project vehicle debuts at the 2017 New York International Auto Show

Handout, Nissan

The Nissan “Rogue Dogue” project vehicle debuts at the 2017 New York International Auto Show

Handout, Nissan

The Nissan “Rogue Dogue” project vehicle debuts at the 2017 New York International Auto Show

Handout, Nissan

The integrated shower system in the Nissan Rogue Dogue one-off project vehicle

Handout, Nissan

The Nissan “Rogue Dogue” project vehicle debuts at the 2017 New York International Auto Show

Handout, Nissan

The Nissan “Rogue Dogue” project vehicle debuts at the 2017 New York International Auto Show

Handout, Nissan

The rear cargo area includes heat vents for Fido

Handout, Nissan

For some of us, dog ownership is much more than a “lifestyle choice;” they’re our family members. And while minivans cater to the families that drive (or basically, live in) them by installing vacuum cleaners, a zillion child-seat anchors and kid-oriented entertainment systems, it’s rare to find a vehicle that puts our canine friends in the front seat, so to speak.

The one-off Nissan “Rogue Dogue” project – displayed at this year’s New York Auto Show – is probably the closest thing we’ve seen to the ideal dog-car, with built-in, no-spill food and water dispensers in the cargo area, a slide-away access ramp, a 360-degree shower with 10 gallon water reserve and integrated drying system, numerous harness clips and a list of other features that make this dog owner say WANT (and, sorry for yelling).

But really, if you’re someone who judges every vehicle purchase by whether it suits your dog(s), err, family, you know what we’re talking about!

Built by the car coordinator for the Fast & Furious franchise – and, obviously, a dog lover – Dennis McCarthy thought of all the details, including a custom removable dog bed, side-wall-mounted poop bag dispenser, first aid kit and even “passive sideview mirror cameras” for recording Fido’s rear-window antics (because: dog videos!). Just when you thought the list was complete, don’t forget a dog-friendly second-row pass-through, protective dog hammock and removable pet partition, of course. Oh, and a vanity key fob – just because.

The Nissan “Rogue Dogue” project vehicle debuts at the 2017 New York International Auto Show

Based on a 2017 Rogue SL with the top-level Platinum Reserve Interior Package, it’s also equipped with premium seating and all the features that have contributed to making this Nissan’s best-selling vehicle in Canada. But the dog-friendly features are what truly make this the perfect crossover, don’t you think?